A Tanka
Just another day
Pizza or McDonald's, hmm
In the neighborhood
We at Lincoln Park chillin'
Sit down, relax, be easy
This Tanka is written in response to Sadje’s prompt. Thank you for reading! 💞🙏
Image credit; Julee Juu @ Unsplash
Tag: life
Categories
Elevating Life with Louie Hicks
Welcome to this special episode with my first special guest, Louie Hicks. Elevating Life with Louie Hicks gives a glimpse into his views on friends, family and life. Also, he talks about his clothing business, LHJR. Check out the website at www.lhjr.square.site. The podcast he started titled, Connect the Dots Podcast on YouTube. Last but not least, he shares about the podcast he co-hosts with Ock the Barber called Da Hip-Hop Barbershop presents on Apple
Thank you for watching! Stay well and be blessed. 💖😊
Categories
Being Stumped By Change
—Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. —
🦋🦋🦋
Change is upon us every day. Whether we are ready for it or not. It happens. Sometimes in that changing, we get stumped. We may not know what direction to take or what exactly we need to do.
It is not easy to change things about ourselves. The uncertainty and not knowing what will happen next. I just implore you to follow your heart. Love yourself and others.
Stay well and be blessed. 🙏❤️
What Excites You About Life?
Life is full of exciting things. What is it for you that makes you excited? Do you wake up every day and get excited to see another day. Yes, this is a valid reason to be excited. Are you excited to be working in the career of your choice? Not everyone is fortunate to have their dream career. Maybe it is your children. It is such a blessing and joy to be able to hug, smile, teach, and watch them grow into adults.
Retirees may excite in the fact that they are no longer on the clock. They can leisurely go about their day. Romance is another reason to be excited. The thought of having your person knowing that someone loves and accepts you.
Can you answer this? What excites you about life? Life brings so many reasons and opportunities to get excited. What does it for you? Maybe you have hobbies in life that excite you and motivate your life.
This question I ask because a lot of times we go about our lives and master the routine. We don’t often, stop to think about what excites us. We need to revisit some of these things and take a detour to bring the spark, smile, sense of humor and love back in. We can still live in our daily routines while enjoying those exciting things too.
Hidden Adventure
Adventure Awaits
How exciting, the feeling
Jump in the water
No way, someone will see us
Life is short, why not dive in
Hidden Adventure, a tanka, is written in response to the picture prompt by Sadje.
Thank you for reading!
Image credit: Pavlo T at Unsplash
Can You Answer This? What is the Best Decade of Your Life?
Life is a funny thing. It is so unpredictable. It comes with joys, bumps and bruises. We go through ups and downs, but we still manage to continue to live on to see another day. Can you answer this? What is the best decade of your life?
Was it when you were in your 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond? Most people are still figuring things out in their 20s and having fun. Some of us were starting a family in our 20s and some getting married. Education was a front-runner for others, while family took a back seat.
Maybe your 30s was your best decade. Did you meet the love of your life in your 30s. That career you always wanted was front and center and you could not be happier. Reuniting with a long lost relative or friend has changed your life immensely; in a good way of course.
The 40s brought you a mended relationship with someone very special to you. You are now in the home you always dreamed of. Maybe, a goal that you set for yourself has come to fruition and you can be proud of the hard work you put in to obtain that goal.
Wherever life takes you is where you are meant to be. We can try to plot and scheme certain things but ultimately it is up to the creator who is always in control.
As always, thank you for reading! 🙏❤
Image credit: Image by Claude Mondestin from Pixabay
Journeys begin in my head
Far away destinations
Some real some imagined instead
I pack my luggage no hesitation
I'm only going for 3 days
I need six pairs of shoes, 5 dresses
Shades and swimwear for the bays
No need to worry about my tresses
Sleepwear and slippers a must
What about my gym clothes
Oh yeah, pack those too
Glad my hair is braided, no need to fuss
Next journey will be lighter
No need for so many cases
Serene waters so much brighter
Sunglasses will help cover my bases
What's all the ruckus
I want to go where I don't need a car
Just hop on my bike and go
Cycle the scenic route 'til my heart is full
Nestling Journeys is written in response to Sadje's prompt.
Thank you for reading! 🙌🌼
Image credit: Bernhard on Unsplash
Categories
Quote of the Day-Life
✴︎ Life is a Gift
—
“Never forget to enjoy and bask in every moment that you are in.
Author Unknown
10 Reasons to Say, Thank You
The words thank you come with so much gratitude and humility. Two words that are often overlooked and underused. I have found 10 reasons to say thank you.
10 reasons to say, thank you are:
Opening your eyes in the morning- you are able to live and see a new day
When someone holds the door open for you- it shows that there are
still courteous people out there
Receiving a compliment- the kind words may have been
just what you needed that day
Reaching into the refrigerator and finding something for
nourishment- a simple pleasure of life often taken for granted
When you really need someone to talk to and they answer the phone- you can now discuss what is on your mind and gain some valuable insight
When you have a reason to smile- life is short, relish those
moments
Having a friendly person who is willing to lend a listening ear-you can now vent and get something off your chest instead of internalizing it
When you have someone to share your life with- companionship is
very valuable and should not be taken lightly
Finding comfort in those closest to you- it is nice to have someone who can comfort you just by simply being in their presence
When you can find laughter even during those difficult times-
these are the times when laughter is the best medicine
I don’t know about you, but I can keep going with the list. How many more reasons can you come up with? Personalize the list and add to it or take some things away. Use it on a daily basis. Choose the ones that are most important to you.
As always, thank you for reading.
Can You Answer This? Name something about yourself that you are proud of.
We all have wonderful gifts and personality traits that are unique. Can you name something about yourself that you are proud of? Did you graduate at the top of your class? Maybe you won a medal in gymnastics. You are always the person people confide in because you are a good listener. Generosity may be your thing and you have a big heart.
Name the thing that you are most proud of and feel good about. Don’t be shy. It is healthy to toot your own horn and big yourself up; every so often. Give yourself some flowers because if you don’t, who will? Right?
We have different aspirations in life so no matter if you think it is a small thing, pat yourself on the back, hug yourself. You deserve it and do not diminish your accomplishments in life. If you purchased your first home; big yourself up. If you started your own business, kudos! The new book you published; well done!! Celebrate yourself. If not today, when?
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Categories
Release the Weight
A few points to help us get rid of unhealthy, useless energy in our lives. The emotional baggage that weighs us down. Time to release the weight.
Holding Grudges
We have all done this at one time or another. Admit it. The thing about grudges is that it keeps us stuck in that moment, the past. No one is suggesting not to get upset or angry. Yes, get angry and/or upset about the situation or person. Have your moment and then release it. The longer you hold that grudge it keeps you stuck in the past. Think about this; holding a grudge does not change that event. Let the past be the past. Letting go of the past frees you up and allows you to live in the here and now. Also, while you are still holding that grudge, the person or persons who wronged you has already forgotten about it and are living their lives. Let it go!
Worrying
It is ok to worry sometimes. We are human and have emotions. The problem with worrying is that it can weigh you down. When the worrying disrupts your normal life and everyday activity, it is time to reassess. Excessive worrying will not change the outcome. It is undue stress that no one wants or needs. Worrying will take over your daily thoughts and activities, if we are not aware of it. Worrying in excess keeps us from important things and it is a time waster.
Being Hard on Yourself
We all strive to better ourselves. That is always helpful and healthy. The thing to remember is that we cannot be everything. Let’s focus on the positive attributes and accomplishments. Expound on those. Develop those. Do not, I repeat, do not dwell on certain things that we are not so good at. It does nothing to uplift our spirit. We all have specific gifts. For example, if you are a great dancer but cannot hold a tune and have a horrible singing voice. It’s ok. Don’t beat yourself up about it. The skills you have are the ones to develop.
Toxic Environment
This one can be hard to get away from. Remember, we cannot control other people and their actions. But we can control ourselves. and our behavior. Do not give negativity the energy to reside in your heart or on your mind. Re-focus or concentrate on positive things. When people try to suck you into a situation or conversation that you are not interested in, just walk away or simply tell them that you do not want to be a part of the conversation.
Release the weight. We have enough to worry about in everyday life. The stressors of life are enough to juggle. Free your mind. Embrace the things that bring joy into your life.
Categories
Quote of the Day-Change
“In the waves of change, we find our true direction.”
— Author Unknown
The one thing that we can always count on in life is change. It is inevitable. No way to escape or ignore it. Opportunity presents itself in those waves of change. We can adapt to it and make the best of it, or we can use it to find a new direction. Unfolding discoveries about life and ourselves will afford us the chance to learn what we may not have otherwise known.
Image credit: Pexels on Pixabay.
Running behind in the morning?
- Iron or steam clothes for work the night before. Include shoes and any accessories. Getting out the door will be much easier when you already have these simple steps done. You don’t have to waste time looking for anything, it is already laid out.
- Prepare your lunch the night before. Put your lunch in the bowl with anything else you need in the fridge overnight. In the morning just grab the already prepared portion and add anything else you want and go. Easy right?!
Feeling tired after work?
- When you get home, before starting your home job, take a quick shower. You will get a burst of energy and be better equipped to handle your home obligations. You will have a refreshed mind to check homework, cook, and/or whatever other chores need to be done.
Need more time during the weekends?
- Break up laundry duty by doing a load or two midweek. This way, when the weekend is here you will have some laundry done and have extra time to spare for more fun activities. If you are feeling really industrious, do one load a day and you may be finished with laundry by the time the weekend is here.
- Going to the supermarket? Prepare a list before walking out the door. (I know this is old school). It is very helpful because you don’t forget to pick up certain items and you only get what you need. It saves time also from walking down each single aisle looking for items. On the other hand, order your groceries online. All you do is submit the order and drive to the store and have the items loaded in your vehicle. No fuss.
I hope these simple time saving tips can make your life easier. If you have some tips that you use, please share.
Thanks again for stopping by.
How Do You Measure Success?
Success means something different for everyone. The measure of success varies greatly from person to person. Some may feel successful by obtaining material things. The next person may measure success because they have achieved a goal that they set for themselves. You may be a success due to overcoming something that was out of reach. Wealthy people may say they are successful due to the size of their bank account.
In the digital age, there are many people who measure success by the number of followers they have on social media. Musicians are successful when they have topped the charts or surpassed a certain number of sales.
Success can be as simple as providing for yourself. Working, by either self-employment or a company is a way to have success. Securing a place to live, being employed, having a vehicle. Continually meeting personal milestones is another way to measure success.
Can you answer this? How do you measure success?
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Snapshots Out in the Pasture
Photographic shots of life, just lying in the pasture. Life’s moments just abandoned and left for the taking. Who would do this? Who would leave those captured beautiful moments. These are the events of life that are one of a kind, never to be duplicated.
Baby pictures, pictures of grandma. Captured moments at the beach or the park. Candid shots just doing nothing. Pictures of you in your best outfit. Vacation pictures.
Milestones captured of your first car, first house. Pictures of those sweet moments with your man or woman. Graduation day, that proud moment of holding your degree.
You can call this the basket of memory lane. A basket that is priceless. When you look at the images captured you know why you saved all of them. What the photos meant to you and how you felt at that moment. Nostalgia, no? Perhaps. But how can you stroll down memory lane, when the snapshots are left out in the pasture?
Snapshots that contain a lifetime of memories. Of childhood dreams, triumphs and disappointments. Moments that made you laugh and cry. Proud moments and times of regret.
Think back on your life. Now, would you leave your snapshots out in the pasture? Of course not! Reclaim your best and worst accomplishments and own every single one of them. After all, they are your snapshots.
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Snapshots Out in the Pasture was written in response to Sadje’s prompt:
What do you see # 191- June 19, 2023